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S: Our Pointer Steffi

BC: copyright: gallgrim enterprises

FC: Our Pointer Steffi

1: In memory of our lovely Steffi July 1, 1996 to April 8, 2011

2: Coming from Robinhood Registered Kennels on September 11, 1999, our “liver and white ticked and patched” German Short-haired Pointer's original name was the unwieldy Robinhood’s Great Imposter. We were surprised to read in the Robert B. Parker novel Back Story that private detective Spenser had bought a replacement for Pearl, the wonder dog, at the same kennel. Her name was Robin Hood’s Purple Sandpiper.

3: Steffi was born July 1, 1996. By the time she was our dog on September 11, 1999, she had earned all her points and won several Firsts at the Wildwood Kennel Club.

4: During her lifetime, Steffi had three litters of eleven pups each. However, she was more interested in being our pet than in being a mother and would walk over the puppies when we visited the kennel, looking at us forlornly as if to say, "Can't you take me home now?"

5: Steffi loved having her ears scratched and her belly rubbed, walking in the ravine, exploring in the forrest, swimming in ponds, running alongside rollerblading boys, sleeping in our bed, playing in snow, and chasing rabbits, squirrels and ducks. She hated thunderstorms, people ringing the doorbell, Corgis and, ironically, black and white dogs.

9: In all seasons, rain or shine, Steffi loved her walks. | On two occasions she got lost in the ravine but both times managed to make her way home again, somehow navigating across busy streets. Once she was followed by a couple who realized she was by herself and wanted to make sure she arrived home safely. Another adventure for Stef was following Mark down a ladder from a second floor window. Luckily, the bushes broke her descent.

10: She had a strong stomach and has eaten, on separate occasions, a half pound of butter, a pound of raw bacon, a bundt cake and an endless supply of treats. | She used her dextrous right paw to get someone's attention or indicate she wanted out of a room. She even learned how to open the back screen door by scratching on it and releasing its mechanism. This feat amazed guests.

11: The boys were very good about babysitting Steffi when Mark and I were away on holiday. Stef got her walks, her food, her baths, but not too many treats. John even took on the task of cleaning her teeth, ears and nails.

12: On one outing with the boys in York Forrest, Stef was attacked by a porcupine. The boys had to extract the quills from her mouth, John even using his teeth on difficult ones. As soon as Stef was free of the quills, she took off again, seeking revenge on the porcupine.

13: With her lithe body and graceful movements, Steffi in action was poetry in motion.

14: Steffi was also a dog who knew how to take her ease, whether on her bed, in a chair or on top of plants in the garden.

15: Over her life, she suffered bad gashes in three of her four paws, but recuperated each time. However,there was always just a bit of embarrassment over the head gear.

16: Steffi wore many different coats.

17: On rare occasions, she demonstrated sociability with other canines, but more often she was aloof, considering herself more a person than a dog.

19: We're very grateful to all Steffi's fans, feeders, treaters and caregivers throughout the years,especially to Lorraine who was like another mother. Special thanks go to Alix for making the ending bearable.

20: On her last day, although her rear legs were giving out, she managed a morning walk, plus an amble when we got to the vet. | She had a very peaceful end.

21: Steffi passed away on April 8, 2011. Over the dozen years we had her, Steffi had become a member of the family. She is very much missed.